Hector found himself found himself in town a bit earlier today than normal on a Workday Friday. Bombay Blues was the objective, on entering the waiter informed me they were not opening until 17.00. NZPA was calling, no time to lose, the original Charcoals (26A Renfield St, Glasgow, G2 1LU) is open all afternoon.
The last visit here was Fourteen Months ago, the Venue of Choice that day for Dr. Rick. Strangely he went home straight afterwards, a few weeks later he revealed all…
The Young Waiter checked his bookings before he allocated me a table through the back, I know this Venue is booked out with pre-theatre customers, especially on a Friday having been declined access two visits back. I had to guarantee that I would be away by 17.00. I’m sure you can feed me before then.
Lamb Desi on-the-bone has been the #1 Hector Attraction on previous visits. Adraki Gosht, a Lamb Dish with Herbs was noted for the future. The Aloo Paratha remains a pricey £3.50 but still feels better value than buying Chapattis. The Young Waiter was about to take my order when Mein Host appeared. All change.
Hector was recognised instantly, hands were shaken, apologies given for the long delay in my return. The Young Waiter was dismissed, Mein Host took the order. He would later bring me a Catering Magazine in which his life story was told – Muhammed Sultan from Dubai. Now I know.
The Poppadoms arrived accompanied by a Chana Salad. The burnt patches made me look at a reliable Curry Blog, Toasted Poppadoms! The Chana Salad was a welcome diversion from the norm, here comes more food. Muhammed brought a Pair of Aloo Tikki, 
Hector was being spoiled once again. These took me back a couple of weeks to dining Chez Waris. Spicy Fish Cakes without the Fish remains an apt description, why don’t more people serve Mashed Potato like this at home?
I was becoming aware that the limits to consumption were looming on the horizon, slow down, Hector.
Whilst I munched there was discussion about the rapid rise of Charcoals to Award Winning Restaurant from very slow beginnings. Muhammed is putting in all the hours to make a success of Charcoals. The Menu appears to be evolving. The size of the premises is still a restriction, one walks through what would otherwise be a counter area to reach the rear. I asked, but there is no chance of expanding through to adjacent premises. The Trongate branch of Charcoals is therefore Muhammed’s version of expansion.
The Desi Lamb was presented in a Metal Bowl which I saw no point in decanting. The Paratha was described as – Flaky – on the Menu, however, the Potato Layer tends to reduce the chances of this. Still, a worthy Paratha. In the gloom I could not tell the Colour of the Desi, suffice to say the Flash revealed an unnecessary Redness and way too much Masala for this Commentators liking. I hadn’t asked for Dry, so this is how it otherwise comes. The Lamb was Truly Tender, Excellent, not too Pulped and even allowing for the Bones, a Good Quantity. The Overall Flavour was not particularly complex, a Monochrome Curry? The Dominant Flavour was never identified, Hector was distracted.
Muhammed presented a Side Dish of Curry with the Desi. I persisted with the non-decanting. I was told to – Try – this offering, nomenclature not stated. Another Bread arrived, a Plain Naan. I was assured that this was the correct Bread to have with this Side. I’ll never eat all this – I exclaimed. I’ll be 5kg heavier when I leave. And so to The Side.
This was Haleem, what Hector considers to be an Indian version of Irish Stew – Worthy Ingredients boiled to a Pulp. This was by far the Best Haleem I’ve ever had, the Lentils did not dominate to excess as I have had elsewhere. There was an Earthy Flavour. I still don’t think I would ever order Haleem, but this was Pleasant. It also sets a new standard.
Now when will a Lamb Karahi – fit for a Hector – appear on Charcoals Menu?
The Bill
£15.95. No complaints from me, I had been well and truly – Fed.
Time of Departure – 17.00
There was NZPA at EGW. If you know, you know.